Packaging device for disc-shaped items and related materials and method for packaging such discs and material

ABSTRACT

An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device comprises a first member having a first chamber and a first opening providing access thereto, said first chamber including means to receive and retain a disc-shaped media, and a second member for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media, said second member including a second chamber and a second opening providing access thereto. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/627,597 filed on Jul. 28, 2000 in the names of Alexandra Gordonand Charles W. Grimes for “Packaging Device for Disc-Shaped Items andRelated Materials and Method for Packaging Such Disks and Material”which, in turn, was a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/161,064 filed on Sep. 25, 1998 in the names of AlexandraGordon and Charles W. Grimes for “Packaging Device for Disc-Shaped Itemsand Related Materials and Method for Packaging Such Disks and Material.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates, in general, to a device for packaging anddisplaying a circular or disc-shaped media and other materials and amethod for packaging such disc-shaped media and other materials and, inparticular to containers and methods for initially packaging andthereafter repeatedly storing disc-shaped media together with or withoutother materials.

[0004] Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a newand improved container for initially packaging and thereafter repeatedstoring of disc-shaped media and other materials in stackedrelationship, having a first chamber and a second chamber stacked on topof one another for respectively receiving and securely retaining thedisc media and the other materials.

[0005] Still more particularly, the present invention further relates toa new and improved method for initially packaging and thereafterrepeated storing of media and other materials in stacked relationship,wherein in a preferred embodiment the disc-shaped media is inserted intoa cavity within a first member, and the other materials are placedinside an open ended second member through an opening therein, and thefirst member is then attached about the second member so as to close theopening in the second member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Packaging and storage devices for media are generally known.Disc-shaped media, such as CD's, DVD's or CD-ROM's, encounter specialproblems in handling, packaging and storage due to their delicate, flatrecorded surfaces. Such disc media is generally sold in plastic caseswhich are sometimes referred to as “jewel boxes.” Such cases aregenerally rectangular and have a mounting hub for holding the disc mediaby its center aperture. Such cases are usually kept after purchase ofthe disc media and utilized for re-packaging, of the disc media betweenusage. Such jewel boxes are impractical packaging containers forshipping because of their small dimensions and easy breakage, and theythus require substantial additional packaging material or placement inlarger shipping containers.

[0007] Disc media is routinely sold with other materials (whetherdirectly related to the content of the disc media, i.e., ancillary, orotherwise). At the present time, disc media in such “jewel boxes” iscommonly packaged together with ancillary materials in largerrectangular shaped cardboard boxes for shipping, sale and packaging. The“jewel boxes” are necessary to reliably protect the disc media fromcontact with the ancillary materials in the larger cardboard boxes. Suchplastic case/cardboard box combination package arrangements are not onlyexpensive, they also do not lend themselves to easy and secure repeatedre-storage of the disc media and ancillary materials. They are oftendamaged during initial opening and repeated re-storage. They are oftenunable after initial opening to securely re-store the disc media (in thejewel box) and the other materials together in the cardboard packagingin a manner to preclude contact with each other. They frequently becomeunsightly after initial opening and repeated re-storage. They are,themselves, difficult to handle and store.

[0008] Other types of packaging and storage devices are needed toorganize, protect, ship, display at retail and store disc media soldand/or shipped in combination with ancillary materials.

[0009] A need also exists for devices which can effectively andefficiently organize, protect, ship, display at retail and store discshaped media with other materials.

[0010] An opportunity exists that is not being commercially exploited atthe present time to distribute disc-shaped recording media withmaterials that are either ancillary or wholly unrelated to the contentof the disc media. This opportunity is not being exploited due to thelack of an effective container design and method for efficientlyorganizing, protecting, shipping, displaying at retail and storingdisc-shaped media packaged with other materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One important object of this invention is to provide a containerin which and a method whereby disc-shaped media and ancillary materialscan initially be packaged together in stacked relationship and, afterremoval and use, they can easily be re-stored in stacked relationship ina manner so as to avoid contact there between.

[0012] Another object of this invention is to provide a container and amethod of packaging that eliminates the need for a separate case (i.e.,the need for a “jewel box”) for the disc media.

[0013] Another object of this invention is to provide a container and amethod of packaging whereby during initial storage, shipping, retailpresentation and re-packaging disc media is securely held againstmovement and protected.

[0014] Another important object of this invention is to provide ashipping container in which and a method of shipping whereby disc-shapedmedia and other materials can be packaged, presented, conveyed,distributed and stored.

[0015] Another important object of this invention is to provide anaesthetically unique and compelling device and method for presenting atretail disc-shaped media and other materials which may or may not berelated to the content of the media.

[0016] Another object of this invention is to provide a container and amethod of packaging whereby the internal wall of the first chamber ofthe container is cylindrical in shape and of a diameter slightly largerthan the external diameter of the disc media to thus retain the discmedia in the container against movement in the plane of the disc media.

[0017] Another object of this invention is to provide a container and amethod of packaging whereby either an annular ring or protrusionsmounted on the internal wall of the first chamber define an openingslightly larger in internal diameter than the external diameter of thedisc media into which the disc media can be inserted to thus retain thedisc media in the container against movement in the plane of the discmedia.

[0018] Another object of this invention is to provide a container and amethod of packaging whereby either an annular lip or protrusions extendfrom the internal wall of the first chamber of the container and definean opening slightly smaller in internal diameter than the externaldiameter of the disc media on which the disc media can seat to thusretain the disc media in the container against movement in a firstdirection perpendicular to the plane of the disc media.

[0019] Another object of this invention is to provide a container and amethod of packaging, whereby the container has a removal lid thatattaches to the container when the disc media is either initiallypositioned or subsequently re-stored on the seat and that retains thedisc media against movement in a second, opposite directionperpendicular to the plane of the disc media.

[0020] Another object with this invention is to provide a container anda method packaging whereby the seat and lid are removable and the seatand lid can be combined to create a permanent storage and restoringpackage for the disc media alone.

[0021] Another object of this invention is to provide a container and amethod of packaging whereby an annular ring or protrusions mounted onthe internal wall of the first chamber define an annular post slightlysmaller in exterior diameter than the diameter of the center hole of thedisc media to thus retain the disc media on the post in the containeragainst movement in the plane of the disc media.

[0022] Another object of this invention is to provide a container and amethod of packaging whereby a protective insert is placed in thecontainer before the disc media to protect the disc media from contactwith the other materials.

[0023] Another object of this invention is to provide a container and amethod of packaging whereby a replaceable protective insert is placed inthe container before the disc media to protect the disc media fromcontact with the other materials, which insert can be removed to accessthe ancillary materials and can be replaced after the ancillarymaterials are re-stored in the container and before the disc media isre-stored in the container.

[0024] Another object of this invention is to provide a container andmethod of packaging whereby the disc media support members are removableso as to afford complete and unfettered access to the second chamberbeneath the disc media.

[0025] Another object of this invention is to provide a container andmethod of packaging whereby the first chamber is within the removablelid.

[0026] Another object of this invention is to provide a container andmethod of packaging whereby the first chamber is within the removablelid and the disc media support member is a center post fixedly attachedto and extending from the inside center of the lid.

[0027] Another object of this invention is to provide a container andmethod of packaging whereby the removable lid has both a first chamberfor the disc media and a second chamber for other materials and whereinthere is a third chamber in the container.

[0028] A further object of this invention is to provide a container andmethod of packaging whereby the container has first and second chambersand the second chamber in which the other materials are stored has asecond opening besides the opening through the first chamber.

[0029] A further object of this invention is to provide container and amethod of packaging whereby the container has a closure mechanism forthe second opening that is separate and distinct from the closuremechanism for the opening into the second chamber through the firstchamber.

[0030] A further object of this invention is to provide a container andmethod of packaging whereby the container has an exterior shape for thefirst chamber such that the first chamber can serve as a base for thecontainer.

[0031] Yet another important object of this invention is to provide acontainer and method of packaging whereby the container has an exteriorshape for the second chamber such that the second chamber can serve as abase for the container.

[0032] A still further object of this invention is to provide acontainer and method of packaging for disc shaped media and othermaterials whereby the top and bottom covers are detachable and can becombined to create a smaller container for the disc shaped media.

[0033] To accomplish these and other objects, the container of thisinvention in its preferred form is a cylinder provided with a removablelid and first and second chambers. The first chamber is immediatelybeneath the lid and has an inner structure defining circumferentialsupport for disc media. The inner structure is a one-piece annularcollar member, with an upstanding annular ring with an interior wallhaving a diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the discmedia, and an annular lip that defines an annular opening having adiameter slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the disc media,such that the disc media sits on the annular lip and is restrainedagainst movement in the plane of the disc media by the ring and againstmovement in directions perpendicular to the plane of the disc media bythe lip and the lid. The inner structure further includes an annularclip that extends over the rim of the container wall in nestingconfiguration, and which is locked on the container wall when the lid isaffixed to the container, but which can be removed after the lid anddisc media are removed to facilitate unencumbered access to the secondchamber of the container beneath the first chamber. The second chamberis the same diameter as the first chamber and is of sufficient height toaccommodate other materials that may or may not have relevance to thedisc media. The bottom of the second chamber remote from the lid is flatand serves as the base of the container.

[0034] In the preferred method of packaging, other materials areinserted into a first portion of an open ended cylindrical containerthrough the open end, inner support elements are then inserted into thecontainer through the open end, a protective element is then insertedinto the container through the open end, disc media is then insertedinto the container through the open end into a second portion of thecontainer in protected engaging relation with the inner support elementswithin the container, and a lid is then applied to the container to bothsecure the disc media within the second portion of the container and toseal the container.

[0035] The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantagesof the invention will become apparent in the following detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The novel features believed characteristics of the invention areset forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as wellas the preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof,will best be understood by reference to the following detaileddescription of illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

[0037]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the novel disc packagingdevice of the present invention with the lid and disk media removed,illustrating the use of a one-piece annular collar member with anannular ring and lip;

[0038]FIG. 2 is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of a portion ofthe novel disc packaging device of FIG. 1 when the lid is on thecontainer, along line AA illustrating the resultant first and secondchambers thereof;

[0039]FIG. 2A is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG.2, wherein a protective element is inserted between the first and secondchambers;

[0040]FIG. 2B is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG.2A, showing an alternative method of insertion of the protective elementbetween the first and second chambers;

[0041]FIG. 2C is a further alternative embodiment of the device shown inFIG. 2A, showing, a further alternative method of insertion of theprotective element between the first and second chambers;

[0042]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the novel disc packaging device ofthe present invention illustrating the alternative use of abutments andprotrusions affixed to the inside wall of the container;

[0043]FIG. 3A is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of a portion ofthe device shown in FIG. 3, along line B-B, with a disc media and othermaterials inserted and the lid affixed;

[0044]FIG. 3B is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of an alternativeembodiment of the novel disc packaging device of the present inventionillustrating the alternative use of the upstanding rim of the base andthe inside wall of the cover in place of the abutments and protrusionsof FIG. 3;

[0045]FIG. 3C is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of an alternativeembodiment of the novel disc packaging device of the present inventionillustrating the alternative use of the outer surface of the cover andthe inner surface of a supplementary cover in place of the abutments andprotrusions of FIG. 3;

[0046]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the novel disc packaging device ofthe present invention illustrating the alternative use of a centerannular post support for the disc media suspended from spokes;

[0047]FIG. 4A is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of the deviceshown in FIG, 4, along line C-C, with a disc media and other materialsinserted and the lid affixed;

[0048]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the novel disc packaging device ofthe present invention illustrating fingers that extend from a framecarried by the side wall of the container and that provide centersupport for the disc media;

[0049]FIG. 5A is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of the deviceshown in FIG. 5, alone, line D-D, with a disc media and other materialsinserted and the lid affixed;

[0050]FIG. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of alternate embodimentsof the packaging device of the present invention depicting two differentmethods of mounting the disc media support member to the device outerwall;

[0051]FIG. 7 is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention with disc media and other materialsinserted, the protective element inserted and the lid closed, in whichthe first chamber in which the disc media is stored is in the cover;

[0052]FIG. 7A is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of an alternativeembodiment of the device shown in FIG. 7, wherein the disc media isinserted into a protective envelope that is affixed to the inner surfaceof the cover;

[0053]FIGS. 8 and 8A are side perspective, partially cut-away,cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of the presentinvention, illustrating the use of the “lid” of the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 as the base, thereby allowing the portion of the inventiondefining the second chamber to be of an irregular shape (FIG. 8) or tohave deformable construction (FIG. 8A);

[0054]FIG. 9 is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention in which the disk media is locatedin the lid and the lid and the container include second and thirdchambers, respectively, for storing other material;

[0055]FIG. 10 is a cut-away, cross-sectional view of another embodimentof the present invention in which the second chamber in the containerfor storing other materials includes a second opening separate anddistinct from the lid and a removable cover such that access to thesecond chamber can be attained without removing the lid;

[0056]FIGS. 11 and 11A are cut-away, cross-sectional side views ofanother embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 10 in which the method ofmounting shown in FIG. 6A is utilized and wherein the removable coverfor the second chamber can be mated with the removable cover for thefirst chamber to form a mini-packaging device shown in FIG. 11 A;

[0057]FIG. 12 is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of an alternativeembodiment of the device shown in FIGS. 11 and 11A in which the methodshown in FIG. 3B for retaining the disc media is utilized and in whichthe two covers threadably engage the base and, when removed, can bethreaded together to create a mini-packaging unit;

[0058]FIG. 12A and 12B are cut-away, cross-sectional side views ofalternative embodiments of the device shown in FIG. 12, wherein the twocovers slidably engage after removal (FIG. 12A) or threadably engageafter removal (FIG. 12B);

[0059]FIG. 13 is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of anotherembodiment of the present invention in which a concave cavity on theexterior side of the cover for the device forms the first chamber forthe disc media and a seal encloses the disc media within the concavecavity;

[0060]FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a further alternativeembodiment of the novel disc packaging device of the present inventionwith the lid, disk media and protective element removed, illustratingthe use of a sealed base; and

[0061]FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a further alternativeembodiment of the novel disc packaging device of the present inventionin which the disk media is sealed within the lid, and the base isseparately sealed, and the lid and base are detachably joined togetherby an outer packaging skin that can be severed with a pull string.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] With reference now to the figures and in particular withreference to FIG. 1, there is shown a front view of the disc packagingdevice 10 of the present invention. As illustrated, disc packagingdevice 10 includes a lower base component or container 12 and an uppercover component or lid 14. Lower base component 12 and upper covercomponent 14 are utilized to form a generally cylindrical packagingdevice of dimension slightly larger than the disc shaped recording mediato be stored. End plates 16 and 18 cooperate with lower base component12 and upper cover component 14 to fully enclose the cylindricalpackaging space defined thereby.

[0063] The lower base component 12 of the embodiment of this inventionshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a side wall 20. The side wall can beconstructed from either cardboard (i.e., natural fiber material) orplastic (i.e., man-made synthetic material) or other material suitablyrigid for the base component to retain its shape, including metal, e.g.,as in a vacuum sealed, canned product.

[0064] The base component 12 can be designed to threadably receive thebottom plate 16 which is of conventional design, made of stiffcardboard, plastic, metal or some similarly rigid material and used as acover-all screw cap on a very wide variety of containers. Alternativelythe bottom plate 16 can nest inside the side wall 20 where it is held byfriction, stapling, gluing or some other means. The side wall 20 has anupper section 22 and the upper section 22 can be threaded to accommodatethe upper cover component 14 although in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1and 2 the cover is made of plastic and snaps on in a conventionalmanner.

[0065] As best seen in FIG. 2, the upper section 22 is defined by anouter wall 24, an inner wall 26 and a rim 28. The cover component 14 hasa side wall 30 defined by an outer wall 32, an inner wall 34 and a rim36. The diameter of the inner wall 34 of the cover component is slightlygreater than the diameter of the outer wall 24 of the base component. Inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is an inner structure 40which provides circumferential support for a disc shaped media 42 storedwithin the packaging device 10. The structure 40 comprises an annularcollar 44 having an annular ring 46 and an annular lip 48. The innerstructure 40 nests within the lower base component 12. The annularcollar 44 has an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the innerwall 26 of the base component such that the annular collar extendsbeyond the inner wall 26 and sits on top of the base rim 28. The annularring 46 has an outer diameter less than the diameter of the inner wall26, such that the annular ring nests inside the inner wall 26. Theannular lip 48 has an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of thedisc shaped media 42. Thus, the disc shaped media will rest on theannular lip, inside the annular ring. In this way, movement of the discshaped media in the plane of the disc shaped media is precluded by theannular abutment 46. Movement of the disc shaped media perpendicular toits plane is prevented in one direction by the annular lip 48. When thecover component 14 is affixed to the base component 12, the cover plate18 acts to preclude movement of the disc shaped media in the oppositeperpendicular direction to the plane of the disc shaped media.

[0066] In the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 2A, a protective member 50 isattached to the annular lip 48. The protective member can be made ofplastic film or any other conventional material to provide a barrierbetween the disc shaped media and other materials 52 which can be storedin the base component 12 of the packaging device 10. The protectivemember can be permanently affixed to the annular lip or it can beaffixed at the time of assembly and shipment and removed by the consumerafter purchase, i.e., at a time when further “rough handling” that wouldcause interaction between the disc shaped media and the other materialsis less likely to occur.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment disclosed in FIG. 2B, the protectiveelement is removable and sized to seat on the annular lip 48 between theannular lip 48 and the disc shaped media. The protective element isround like the disc shaped media and has a central opening into whichone's finger can be inserted to engage, lift and remove the protectiveelement and subsequently engage, lift and replace the protectiveelement.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment disclosed in FIG. 2C, the protectiveelement 50B is flexible and is removably inserted within the lower basecomponent beneath the annular lip 48 and on top of the other materials52 placed therein. The protective element is sized to correspond to theinterior wall 26 and has a central opening into which one's finger canbe inserted to engage, lift and remove the protective element andsubsequently engage, lift and replace the protective element.Alternatively, the protective element can be provided with a lift tab orsome other conventional means whereby it can be grabbed and removed.

[0069] In the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the innerstructure 40 is modified. The annular collar 44 with annular ring 46 andannular lip 48 is replaced by discrete abutments 54 and discreteprotrusions 56. Collectively, the abutments 54 and protrusions 56 arepositioned within the lower base component 12 around the circumferenceof the inner wall 26 spaced below the rim 28, affixed to the inner wall26, so as to perform the same function as the annular ring 46 andannular lip 48. Specifically, the abutments 54 preclude movement of thedisc shaped media in the plane of the disc shaped media i.e., performingthe same function as the annular ring 46. Similarly, the protrusions 56are positioned about the inner wall 26 and collectively precludemovement of the disc shaped media in a direction perpendicular to planeof the disc shaped media i.e., performing the same function as theannular lip 48.

[0070]FIG. 3B shows a further alternative embodiment wherein the discshaped media is seated on the rim 28 and movement of the disc shapedmedia perpendicular to its plane is prevented in one direction by therim 28. When the cover 14 is affixed to the base component 12, movementof the disc shaped media in the plane of the disc shaped media isprecluded by the inner wall 34 of the cover 14 and inner surface 14 a ofthe cover 14 acts to preclude movement of the disc shaped media in thesecond, opposite perpendicular direction to the plane of the disc shapedmedia.

[0071]FIG. 3C shows a further alternative embodiment wherein the discshaped media is seated on the outside surface 14 b of the cover 14 andmovement of the disc shaped media perpendicular to its plane isprevented in one direction by a supplementary cover 144 that snaps ontothe cover 14. When the supplementary cover 144 is affixed to the cover14, movement of the disc shaped media in the plane of the disc shapedmedia is precluded by the inner wall 144 a of the supplementary cover144 and the inner wall 144 b of the supplementary cover 144 acts topreclude movement of the disc shaped media in the second, oppositeperpendicular direction to the plane of the disc shaped media. Thesupplementary cover 144 can include a chamber 144 d and a protectiveelement 50 b can be inserted to prevent contact between the disc shapedmedia and whatever materials 52 a are placed in the chamber 144 d.

[0072] In the alternative embodiment seen in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the innersupport structure 40 is replaced with an inner support structure 58 thatprovides center support for the disc shaped media as opposed to thecircumferential support provided by inner structure 40. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the alternative inner structure 58includes an annular ring 60 and spokes 62 extending therefrom. As seenin FIG. 4A, the annular ring 60 has a raised portion 64 on which thedisc media 42 sits, The spokes 62 each have a finger portion 66 whichextends upwardly and outwardly such that when the structure 58 isinserted into the base component 12, the fingers 56 frictionally engagethe inner wall 26 and sit on the upper rim 28. The structure 58 caninclude webbing between the fencers 56 (ala the webbing in a duck'sfoot) comprised of a thin material to provide protection for the discshaped media 42 from the other materials 52. Inside the annular ring 60would be left open to allow the consumer, after removing, the cover 14,to insert their finger into the annular ring and to thereby remove boththe disc shaped media 42 and the structure 58.

[0073]FIGS. 5 and 5A show a further alternative inner structure 68comprising an annular collar 70 from which fingers 72 extend inwardly.At the ends of the fingers 72 are upstanding projections 74. The annularcollar 70 nests inside the inner wall 26 and sits on the rim 28 in thesame manner as the inner structure 40 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1and 2. The upstanding projections 74 cooperate to provide a centersupport structure for the disc shaped media.

[0074] As seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the fingers 72 in the embodimentshown in FIGS. 5 and 5A do not necessarily need to be suspended from anannular collar. Alternatively, the could be clipped to the side wall 20as seen in FIG. 6A or they could be screwed into the side wall 20 asshown in FIG. 6B.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a center supportstructure is provided for the disc shaped media in the upper covercomponent 14. Specifically, projections 80 extend from the inside wall82 of the end plate 18. These projections 80 cooperate to provide securesupport for the disc shaped media in the cover component 14. Aprotective element 84 can be provided which is either removably nestedwithin the cover as shown or which can be inserted at the time ofmanufacture and removed and discarded by the consumer after purchase.The cover 14 can engage the base component 12 in any variety Ofconventional ways, e.g., snap on, telescope on, screw on, etc.

[0076] In a further alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the discshaped media is encased within an envelope 84 a made of plastic or someother suitable material and which is affixed to the inside wall 82 ofthe end plate 18. The envelope is either removably or permanentlyaffixed, e.g., by gluing, with double-sided tape, or by otherconventional means. The envelope can itself constitute a re-useablepackaging container for the disc shaped media that either remainsaffixed to the plate 18 or can be removed from the plate 18, e.g., sothat the cover 14 can be discarded. Or the disc shaped media can bepackaged within a packaging sleeve (not shown) ail of which can then beinserted into the envelope and then removed from the envelope once theenvelope is opened.

[0077]FIGS. 8 and 8A show further alternative embodiments of the presentinvention. In FIG. 8, the fact that the disc shaped media is storedwithin the cover component 14 allows for an alternative construction ofthe container 12. In this alternative embodiment, the cover 14 serves asthe “base”. The alternative base 90, in which the other materials, inthis case, a doll 92, are stored, has an end wall structure 94 whichfrictionally encases the inner wall 96 and seals the chamber in the base90. Alternatively, wall 94 can be provided with threads so that it willthreadably engage corresponding threads on the inside wall 96. The cover14 and base 90 can be attached in the same manner as heretofore beendiscussed in connection with other embodiments.

[0078] In the embodiment showing in FIG. 8A, the cover 14 once againcarries the disc shaped media 42 and thereby allows the base 12 to be ofa deformable construction 98. The deformable member 98 has a rigidinternal support structure 100 which is designed to frictionally orthreadably engage the cover 14.

[0079] In the alternate embodiment shown In FIG. 9, the disc shapedmedia is stored in a first chamber 102 in the lid 14 defined by anannular support 40 similar in construction to the embodiment of FIG. 7,except that the lid includes a second chamber 104 defined by an outerwall 106 for other materials and the base 12 includes a third chamber108. In the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 10, which is similar inconstruction to the embodiment of FIG. 4, there is provided anadditional opening 110 in the container 22 and a cover 116 for closingthe opening 110. The cover 116 can be removed to gain access to thechamber 104 without removing the cover 14.

[0080] In the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 11A, an innerstructure 40 a is provided that is a slightly modified version of theinner structure 40 shown in FIG. 2, in that it includes an annular wall45 that extends around the entire circumference of the annular collar 44and engages the outer surface of the wall of the base 12, and the cover14 is configured to engage not the base 12, but rather, the annular wall45. An additional opening 110 is provided as in the embodiment of FIG.10, and a cover 116 a is provided that is a slightly modified version ofthe cover 116 of FIG. 10, in that it includes not only an outer annularwall 11 6 b for engaging the outer surface of the wall of the base 12,but also an inner annular wall 116 c for engaging the inner surface ofthe wall of the base 12. The circumferential dimension of the outersurface 116 d of the wall 116 b of the cover 116 a is identical to thecircumferential dimension of the outer surface 45 d of the wall 45, suchthat the covers 14 and 116 a can be removed and the cover 14 whichmatingly engaged the wall 45 will matingly engage the outer wall 116 bof the cover 116 a, as shown in FIG. 11A. In this way, as also shown inFIG. 1 A, the covers 14 and 116 a can be used together as amini-packaging device for the disc shaped media 42. In the embodimentshown, the inner wall 116 c helps to securely retain the disc shapedmedia against movement. However, it is understood that the benefits ofthe invention could be achieved without such inner wall, or utilizingone of the other retaining methods disclosed herein.

[0081] In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the disc shapedmedia seats on the rim 28 as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, but thecover 14 x does not snap onto the base 12, but rather, threadablyengages it. Furthermore, the bottom 12 x of the base 12 is flaredoutwardly and contains internal threads that are of the same dimensionas the internal threads of the cover 14 x. The cover 116 x includesmating external threads such that the cover 116 x can be threaded intothe flared bottom 12 x of base 12. In this way, the covers 14 x and 116x can be removed from the base 12 and threadably engaged to form amini-packaging unit for the disc shaped media.

[0082] In the alternative embodiments of FIGS. 12A and 12B, the need toflare out the bottom of the base 12 is eliminated. In FIG. 12A, the base12 y receives a bottom cover 116 y that includes an overlapping portion117 y, the outer surface 118 y of which is of equal dimension to theouter surface 118 y of which is of equal dimension to the outer wall ofthe base 12 y , such that covers 14 y and 11 y can be slidably engagedto form a mini-storage unit for the disc media. In FIG. 12B, the base 12z has an external threaded portion 119 z and an internal threadedportion 120 z each of which extends beyond the center line “C” of thewall of the base 12 z. In this way, when the covers 14 z and 1 16 z areremoved, they can be threadably engaged to form a mini-storage unit forthe disc media.

[0083]FIG. 13 shows a further alternative embodiment, wherein the cover244 nestingly seats within the base 12 and the disc shaped media 42 isplaced within the concave recess 246 of the cover 244. A seal 248 madeof plastic or other suitable material is applied to the cover 244 tohold the disc shaped media within the cover 244 until the seal isremoved by the user. The disc shaped media can be retained againstmovement within the cover 244 as a result of contact with the side walls250, bottom wall 252 and seal 248, or by utilization of any of the othermethods taught herein.

[0084]FIG. 14 shows a further alternative embodiment wherein the base 12is a separately manufactured container of miscellaneous content, thatincludes a slightly concave end 25 1, the depth 252 of which exceeds thecombined thickness of a disc shaped media 42 and a protective element 50which are seated within the concave end 251 and held there by cover 14which snaps onto base 12. In an alternate embodiment, a protectiveelement is not used or the disc shaped media is packaged in an envelope(not shown).

[0085]FIG. 15 shows a further alternative embodiment wherein the discshaped media is mounted and sealed within cover 14, e.g., as taughtherein in connection with other embodiments, and cover 14 is attached tobase 12 by paper packaging material skin 0 1 that binds the cover 14 andbase .12 together. Cover 14 is separated from base 12 by pulling string302 which tears the skin 301 and brakes the circumferential attachmentbetween cover 14 and base 12.

[0086] It would be understood that in each embodiment, a containerdevice is provided in which disc shaped media can be packaged,distributed, displayed at retail and, if desired, restored with othermaterials and that, in effecting such usage, discrete chambers areprovided for the disc media and for the other materials so as to preventcontact between the disc media and the other materials. In theembodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 6B, the inner structure, whether itis the annular collar of FIG. 1, or the discretely positionedabutment/protrusion clips of FIG. 3, or the upstanding rim in FIG. 3B,or the lid and supplemental lid of FIG. 3C, or the “spider” structure ofFIG. 4, or the “trap” structure of FIG. 5, in each case is located inand helps define a first chamber in the lower base component 12.Underneath this first chamber is a second chamber. The first chamberreceives and securely holds, despite repeated removal and re-packaging,the disc shaped media. The second chamber receives the other materialsand keeps these materials separate from the disc shaped media. The needfor a separate “jewel case” for the disc shaped media is thus completelyeliminated.

[0087] It would be understood that the shape of the container can bevaried without departing from the scope of the present invention, e.g.,the cylindrical base 12 can be square or rectangular so long as theouter wall of the collar 40 corresponds and the collar includes spacersfrom the outer wall of the collar to the annular ring and annular lip ofthe present invention. Similar adjustments could be made to the otherembodiments as would be apparent to those skilled in the an havingreviewed this disclosure. The abutment/protrusions clips of FIG. 3 couldbe mounted on a non-cylindrical shaped base, as could the spiderstructure of FIG. 4 or the trap structure of FIG. 5.

[0088] It would be understood by those skilled in the art that thefunction of the annular ring of FIG. 1 or the abutments of FIG. 2 couldbe performed by an appropriately dimensioned inner wall 26 of thecontainer 12.

[0089] It would be further understood that while several methods ofattaching the annular collar of FIG. 1, the abutment/protrusion clips ofFIG. 2, the spider structure of FIG. 3 and the trap structure of FIG. 4have been shown, those skilled in the alt after having reviewed thisdisclosure could devise other means of attachment without departing fromthe scope of the present invention.

[0090] It would be further understood by those skilled in the art thatthe device and method of this invention can accommodate one or more discshaped media, e.g., through the insertion of protective elementstherebetween.

What is claimed is:
 1. An elongated package for at least one disc-shapedmedia having an annular center aperture and for materials other thansaid disc-shaped media, said package comprising: an elongated base,having elongated side walls defining a lower chamber, said lower chamberbeing bounded at one end by a bottom wall, wherein said side wallsterminate in a rim distal from said bottom wall, said rim defining alower opening spanning the entire distance between said side walls andproviding the sole means of access to said lower chamber for receivingsaid other materials; a cover assembly comprising a cover and said atleast one disc-shaped media, said cover having an upper surface and alower surface, wherein said upper surface includes a recess whichdefines an upper chamber having an upper opening therein for receivingsaid at least one disc-shaped media; means for attaching said coverassembly to said base about said lower opening such that said coverassembly covers said lower opening, wherein said cover assembly isadapted to be repeatedly removed and reattached to said base to providerepeated unobstructed access through said lower opening to said lowerchamber; and means for retaining said disc-shaped media within saidupper chamber against movement therein.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein said cover assembly is generally cylindrical in shape.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said cover assembly includes a lid forcovering said recess.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said coverassembly includes an interior surface and means for supporting andprotecting said disc-shaped media, said means for supporting andprotecting comprising a center support mounted on and extending fromsaid first interior surface adapted to be inserted into and engagedwithin said annular center aperture, said center support including atleast one inner projection to secure said disc thereon.
 5. The device ofclaim 1, wherein said cover assembly includes an interior surface andmeans for supporting and protecting said disc-shaped media, and whereinsaid disc-shaped media includes a media surface, said means forsupporting and protecting comprising a raised annular ring extendingfrom said interior surface, said annular ring having a diameter largerthan the diameter of said annular center aperture and smaller than thediameter of said media surface of said disc-shaped media.
 6. The deviceof claim 1, wherein said cover assembly includes an interior surface andmeans for supporting and protecting said disc-shaped media, said meansfor supporting and protecting comprising a protective sleeve removablymounted to said interior surface, said protective sleeve adapted toreceive and retain said disc-shaped media.
 7. The device of claim 1,further including a seal for securing said cover assembly to said base.8. The device of claim 1, further including an internal seal for sealingsaid lower chamber.
 9. An elongated package for at least one disc-shapedmedia having an annular center aperture and materials other than saiddisc-shaped media, said package comprising: an elongated base, havingelongated side walls defining a lower chamber, said lower chamber beingbounded at one end by a bottom wall, wherein said side walls terminatein a rim distal from said bottom wall, said rim defining a lower openingspanning the entire distance between said side walls and providing thesole means of access to said lower chamber for receiving said othermaterials; a cover having an upper surface and a lower surface, whereinsaid upper surface includes a recess which defines an upper chamberhaving an upper opening therein for receiving said at least onedisc-shaped media; means for attaching said cover to said base aboutsaid lower opening such that said lower surface closes said loweropening, wherein said cover is adapted to be repeatedly removed andreattached to said base to provide repeated unobstructed access throughsaid lower opening to said lower chamber; and means for retaining saiddisc-shaped media within said upper chamber against movement therein.10. The device of claim 9, wherein said cover is generally cylindricalin shape.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein said cover includes aninterior surface and means for supporting and protecting saiddisc-shaped media, said means for supporting and protecting comprising acenter support mounted on and extending from said first interior surfaceadapted to be inserted into and engaged within said annular centeraperture, said center support including at least one inner projection tosecure said disc thereon.
 12. The device of claim 9, wherein said coverincludes an interior surface and means for supporting and protectingsaid disc-shaped media, and wherein said disc-shaped media includes amedia surface, said means for supporting and protecting comprising araised annular ring extending from said interior surface, said annularring having a diameter larger than the diameter of said annular centeraperture and smaller than the diameter of said media surface of saiddisc-shaped media.
 13. The device of claim 9, wherein said coverincludes an interior surface and means for supporting and protectingsaid disc-shaped media, said means for supporting and protectingcomprising a protective sleeve removably mounted to said interiorsurface, said protective sleeve adapted to receive and retain saiddisc-shaped media.
 14. The device of claim 9, further including a sealfor securing said cover to said base.
 15. The device of claim 9, furtherincluding an internal seal for sealing said lower chamber.
 16. A methodfor packaging disc-shaped media together with other material, saidmethod comprising the steps of: providing a package comprising: anelongated base, having elongated side walls defining a lower chamber,said lower chamber being bounded at one end by a bottom wall, whereinsaid side walls terminate in a rim distal from said bottom wall, saidrim defining a lower opening spanning the entire distance between saidside walls and providing the sole means of access to said lower chamberfor receiving said other materials; a cover assembly comprising a coverand said at least one disc-shaped media, said cover having an uppersurface and a lower surface, wherein said upper surface includes arecess which defines an upper chamber having an upper opening thereinfor receiving said at least one disc-shaped media; means for attachingsaid cover assembly to said base about said lower opening such that saidcover assembly covers said lower opening, wherein said cover assembly isadapted to be repeatedly removed and reattached to said base to providerepeated unobstructed access through said lower opening to said lowerchamber; and means for retaining said disc-shaped media within saidupper chamber against movement therein; providing a disc-shaped mediahaving an annular center aperture; inserting said other material intosaid base through said lower opening; placing and retaining saiddisc-shaped media within said cover assembly; and removably attachingsaid cover assembly to said base.
 17. A method for packaging disc-shapedmedia together with other material, said method comprising the steps of:providing a package comprising: an elongated base, having elongated sidewalls defining a lower chamber, said lower chamber being bounded at oneend by a bottom wall, wherein said side walls terminate in a rim distalfrom said bottom wall, said rim defining a lower opening spanning theentire distance between said side walls and providing the sole means ofaccess to said lower chamber for receiving said other materials; a coverhaving an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein said upper surfaceincludes a recess which defines an upper chamber having an upper openingtherein for receiving said at least one disc-shaped media; means forattaching said cover to said base about said lower opening such thatsaid lower surface closes said lower opening, wherein said cover isadapted to be repeatedly removed and reattached to said base to providerepeated unobstructed access through said lower opening to said lowerchamber; and means for retaining said disc-shaped media within saidupper chamber against movement therein; providing a disc-shaped mediahaving an annular center aperture; inserting said other material intosaid base through said lower opening; placing and retaining saiddisc-shaped media within said cover; and removably attaching said coverto said base.